Nedward Simmons is living a regular Earth life when he stumbles across an artifact from an alien civilization. Its protective powers are more intriguing than useful to him, until the aliens themselves arrive. Unable to hand over the power he has unwittingly acquired, Ned decides instead to travel with them in an attempt to master his power and defeat the Anacron army.

Two years have passed since the Battle of Venom. The survivors have many unanswered questions, but Mirana Kelar has not been idle. Even as she begins to uncover the origin of Dark Viper’s mysterious power, though, the remnant of an old enemy threatens to plunge the Empire back into war. And this time, even Nedward Simmons may not be able to stand against the forces that hunt him.

As the Anacron Empire fights for its existence against the Vortak invasion, Dark Viper prepares to complete his plan to seize control of a power that has lain dormant for centuries. And while those who oppose him finally learn of his designs, they also find that combating him may require more of a sacrifice than they had ever prepared for.